Fun, multicultural, interesting, welcoming and cosmopolitan: this is Berlin , a city full of surprises and much more than just the capital of Germany . What are the best things to see and do in Berlin? Don't worry, we'll tell you about it in this post.
In fact, we are going to tell you about 20 great plans in this corner of northeastern Germany, where in addition to enjoying the present, it is essential to look back at the past. In 3 days in Berlin you will have time to visit the Brandenburg Gate , visit some of the most sensational museums in Europe, walk along the legendary Wall , which divided the city in two, visit Alexanderplatz and much more.
Schizophrenic, bipolar, serious and horny. The truth is that it was not an instant crush, and not only because it greeted us with sunshine and then turned into Mordor the next day. Berlin is a strange city , where on the same street where Hitler once paraded, today you can see a guy dressed as a lion hugging a girl dressed as a squirrel (true story).
What is clear is that it is one of those places that are full of personality and we give you one of the best tips for traveling to Berlin : it is better not to go in February , it was so f*cking cold.
Here are our top tourist attractions in Berlin to see absolutely.
1. Brandenburg Gate
One of the first things to do in Berlin is to marvel at the 26-metre-high Brandenburg Gate . It has been the symbol of the city since 1791 and, after the fall of the Wall , it became the icon of German reunification. It was here that Ronald Reagan uttered the famous words: “Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” The best time to go is at dusk, although of course any time is perfect to visit this Berlin icon.
Did you know when this neoclassical monument was built? The Brandenburger Tor was one of the gateways to the city and in 1791 it was replaced by its current version by order of Frederick William II, King of Prussia, as a symbol of peace.
2. Holocaust Memorial
Another place to see in Berlin is the Holocaust Memorial , which, with 2,711 concrete blocks of different heights, pays tribute to the Jews exterminated during the Nazi era. It is one of those places that you have to visit even if it hurts.
Please, it should be obvious but it seems not to be for some: when you are there remember that you are in a place that wants to remember thousands of people killed in an absurd way, even if you do not take selfies or climb on the concrete blocks. Respect above all.
Extra: We are going to recommend 2 more sites to dive into the tragedy of Nazism in Germany …
› Topography of terror
This is a museum that we recommend to anyone who is interested in learning more about the dark era of Nazism, when the offices of the National Socialist police, the SS leadership and the security service (SD) were located here. It was here that all the ways to persecute and exterminate Jews and all opponents of National Socialism were devised.
› Sachsenhausen concentration camp
An interesting and almost obligatory excursion to deepen our knowledge of this terrifying period is to visit the Sachsenhausen concentration camp . This camp was created by the Nazi regime in 1936 with the aim of confining, torturing and exterminating Jews but also political opponents of the regime, homosexuals and gypsies.
The death toll at Sachsenhausen is harrowing, with around 30,000 people having perished due to executions, disease, grueling forced labour and inhumane living conditions. Today, Sachsenhausen is a memorial and museum that honours the victims and seeks to educate future generations about the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.
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3. Berlin Wall
One of the eras that we all associate with Berlin was the Cold War . The city cannot be understood without considering its history and the impact that the city and its inhabitants suffered after the end of the Second World War, which was brutal: Berlin was literally divided into two parts, crossed by a wall.
So it's clear that one of the best things to see in Berlin will be to visit one of its most international symbols: the Berlin Wall . Although most of it was torn down in the 1990s, there are still some fragments of the wall that divided the city for 28 years (1961-1989).
Learn all about its history and visit the remains that are still standing, but don't even think about painting over it or taking pieces home as a souvenir!
→ Top tip: sign up for this free tour of the Wall and the Cold War.
4. East Side Gallery
When we talk about the Berlin Wall, we cannot forget its most famous part: the East Side Gallery , or in other words, “the most curious open-air art gallery in the world”. Here, for example, you can see the famous kiss between Erich Honecker and Leonid Brezhnev. Many people know it, but few know that this scene happened in real life: the work is based on a real photograph taken in 1979 during the 30th anniversary of the founding of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). In the original photo, Honecker, leader of the GDR, and Brezhnev, Soviet leader, are seen kissing each other on the mouth (a sign of camaraderie).
Do you love street art? Then check out this guided tour that takes you to discover the best graffiti in Berlin.
5. Checkpoint Charlie
One of the busiest and most iconic places to see in Berlin is Checkpoint Charlie , a border checkpoint of the Berlin Wall, which separated the American zone (West Berlin) from the Soviet zone (East Berlin) during the Cold War years.
This checkpoint basically consisted of a control barrier with a guardhouse, where soldiers checked the passports and documents of all those who wanted to pass from one side to the other. Today, there is a curious museum there where a wide collection of objects, photographs and documents are exhibited that tell the story of the Berlin Wall and the numerous escape attempts that took place during the Cold War.
6. Underground Berlin, something original to see in Berlin
One of the most original things to do in Berlin is to discover what is under your feet, literally: with the Berliner Unterwelten association you can walk through the underground tunnels and bunkers that will take you on a journey back in time.
These tours are highly recommended as they allow you to explore, with expert guides, the secret passages, bunkers and underground shelters that were used for protection during the bombings of World War II and/or during the Cold War.
7. Mauer Park
There is a reason to visit this park on Sundays and it has nothing to do with its trees 😉 In Mauer Park, a very fun karaoke is improvised… what if you have a couple of beers and dare to bring out the Pavarotti inside you?
It's a free thing to see in Berlin , so you have no excuse. By the way, there are also areas with food trucks and on Sundays there is a flea market with bargains on vintage clothing, art, food and a lot more.
Take out IATI travel insurance with a 5% discount here . Whatever your destination
8. Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam
Finding out how much fun Frederick the Great had in his summer residence is another great plan to enjoy during your trip to Berlin. We are talking about Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most outstanding examples of German Rococo.
Its name reflects the spirit of the place: the term “ Sanssouci ” is a French expression that translates as “ without worries ”. Frederick II of Prussia had it built between 1745 and 1747, as a way of escape from the bustling life of the court and the worries of everyday life.
The interior is very refined and you can visit many luxurious rooms, as well as the New Chambers or the Chinese Pavilion , among other wonders. The extensive Sanssouci Gardens are equally impressive, with terraces, fountains, statues and a vineyard.
Dedicate a whole morning to the excursion, as the Palace is quite large so it is better to visit it slowly. You can get there by local train (it is approximately 30 km away) or you can book a tour to Potsdam from Berlin.
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9. Pergamon Museum, the most interesting museum to see in Berlin (closed for renovations)
Important! First of all, there is some bad news: the museum closed in October 2023 and it is estimated that it will remain closed for a few years for renovations . The good news is that when it reopens it will be even more spectacular!
Berlin is not just about partying, electronic music, beer and currywurst: if you like museums, you should know that there are more than 100 of them here ! Although the best ones are on the “ Museum Island ”. In particular, we recommend that you don’t miss the Pergamon Museum.
Some of the most important works in the Pergamon Museum are:
- Ishtar Gate : imposing entrance to the city of Babylon, decorated with reliefs of dragons and bulls, built during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II.
- Victory of King Esarhaddon : Esarhaddon defeated Pharaoh Taharqo of Egypt and restored Babylon after its destruction.
- Aleppo Hall: main hall of the palace of the governors of Aleppo, with impressive reliefs and stone decoration.
- Roman Market Gate of Miletus or: monumental structure of a Roman market in Miletus, notable for its architecture and detailed ornamentation.
- Pergamon Altar: monumental altar dedicated to Zeus, known for its detailed friezes depicting the fight between gods and giants.
10. Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
We think that visiting the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is a must. The scars of the bombings of World War II can still be seen on the façade of this unusual church . That's right: after the air raids of 1943, which left the church almost in ruins, it was decided to preserve the damaged structure as a reminder of the horrors of war. The truth is that it is a place that impresses and makes you think.
7. Eat a currywurst, a must in Berlin
You haven't been to Berlin if you haven't eaten (at least once) a currywurst : it's basically a sausage with ketchup and curry. It's so popular that it even has a museum! But hey, don't make the mistake of eating only sausages, German cuisine hides some really tasty dishes.
For example, you can't leave Berlin without trying a giant Schnitzel with kartoffel or sauerkraut . And you can't leave Berlin without trying a pretzel (or brezel) : a type of baked biscuit or bun twisted into a bow.
→ Here we tell you where to eat in Berlin (including the place where to eat the best currywurst in the city)
12. Potsdamer Platz
During the Second World War, Potsdamer Platz was almost completely devastated by bombing: many of the buildings that once formed the heart of the square were left in ruins.
After the war, with the construction of the Berlin Wall and the division of the city, Potsdamer Platz found itself exactly on the border between the Soviet and Western sectors : it became a kind of "Death Zone" or "No Man's Land". Today it is considered one of the symbols of Berlin's transformation : after the fall of the Wall in 1989, it underwent a brutal revitalization as modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, residences, hotels and restaurants were built, giving it a cosmopolitan and dynamic appearance .
By the way, here you will also find a handful of interesting places, such as the German Avenue of Stars (Boulevard der Stars), the dome of the Sony Center or a place that will be a great plan to do with children in Berlin: Legoland .
13. Cathedral, a must-see in Berlin
The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is the most representative religious building in the city. Its main attractions are the Sauer organ, the neo-baroque pulpit and the main altar, but the most impressive thing is the crypt formed by ninety sarcophagi and tombs of the members of the House of Hohenzollern (Prussian royal family). By the way, from its dome you have some of the best views of Berlin.
During World War II, it suffered significant damage from bombing, but was restored and rebuilt in the decades that followed.
In front of the cathedral there is an esplanade where, if it is sunny, you can spend a pleasant time (if it is cold it will be a pleasant moment , because brrr, in winter the city is freezing).
14. Boat trip on the Spree River
A good, nice and cheap thing to do in Berlin is to get on a boat and sail along the calm waters of the Spree River . It's a great way to spend a relaxing time. Great views are guaranteed and you'll also learn a lot more about the history of Berlin. Bonus point: it's cheap 🙂 which is always a good thing.
→ More information and booking of the boat trip in Berlin
15. Tempelhof
We've already talked about Mauer Park, but it's not the coolest park in Berlin by a long shot. The gold medal goes to the former Tempelhof Airport , where you can lie down on the grass or use the runway for running, cycling or skateboarding. Indeed: when the old airport closed in 2008 , it was decided to give it a new life as a public park .
If there is one thing Berliners are not lacking in, it is inventiveness and this is a good example!
16. Berlin Parliament (Reichstag dome)
Visiting the Reichstag, the German Parliament, is an essential stop in Berlin.
The tours are guided and free, you just have to book your place on the official website , do it weeks in advance, as it is one of the most visited places in the whole country (and don't forget your passport!).
The highlight of the visit will be to go up to the famous glass dome of the Reichstag and watch the German government at work… or choose to enjoy the best views of the city!
The dome is not only beautiful to look at, but it blends modern with eco-friendly . Its glass and steel design lets in natural light during the day, so less artificial light is needed, which is great for the environment.
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17. Jewish quarter of Berlin
A stroll through the city's former Jewish quarter , Scheunenviertel (granary quarter), is something we always recommend when visiting Berlin.
During the 19th century, this area emerged as a vital hub of Jewish life in Berlin , housing synagogues, schools, cultural institutions, restaurants and thriving Jewish businesses. Despite the horror of the Holocaust, the neighborhood still preserves visible and tangible traces of its rich Jewish heritage.
Would you rather visit on your own? Some of the stops we recommend are:
- Hackesche Höfe : is a set of eight very cool courtyards, full of shops, cafes and art galleries.
- New Synagogue in Berlin : A symbol of Berlin's Jewish history, this synagogue is notable for its impressive golden dome.
- Old Jewish Cemetery : This is one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Germany. Although it was damaged during the war, it remains a place of great historical and emotional significance.
- Rosenstrasse Square : known for the courageous protest of women in 1943 to free their Jewish husbands. Today, a monument in the square commemorates this heroic act.
- Anne Frank Zentrum : This museum is dedicated to the life of Anne Frank, with thought-provoking exhibits on tolerance and human rights.
18. Under the Linden
Another place to visit in Berlin is Unter den Linden, the main artery of the city, which runs from the Brandenburg Gate to Karl Liebknecht Strasse (near the cathedral). It is said that this road, due to its monumentality, was Hitler's favourite.
It is here, in fact, that several buildings and historical sites are located, such as the Staatsoper (Berlin State Opera), the Russian Embassy, the Frederick the Great Monument, the Adlon Hotel and many more.
19. Neues Museum (New Museum)
The Pergamon Museum is our favourite, but this list of the best things to see and do in Berlin would not be complete without mentioning the Neues Museum, another cultural wonder of the city.
It suffered significant damage during World War II and remained closed for several decades until it reopened in 2009. And be amazed: inside there is an impressive collection of antiquities, Egyptian art, prehistoric artifacts and masterpieces from the classical world.
Some of its greatest treasures are the Neanderthal skull from Le Moustier , the Green Head from Berlin and the portrait of Queen Tiy. The crowning jewel, however, is the famous Bust of Nefertiti, a polychrome limestone sculpture of the face of the legendary Egyptian queen, depicted with a serene expression and enigmatic gaze. The bust was discovered in 1912 by the German archaeologist Ludwig Borchardt in Tell el-Amarna, the ancient Egyptian capital founded by Pharaoh Akhenaten, who was Nefertiti's husband.
Remember to get the Revolut card ( with a €10 promo ) to avoid commissions when paying and withdrawing money abroad
20. Alexanderplatz, the most amazing square to see in Berlin
Visit Berlin's tallest landmark: the 368-metre-high TV tower , which the GDR built as a symbol of communism. It's located on Alexanderplatz , in the city centre where protests to tear down the Wall began. If you want to go up, it's best to book your ticket in advance .
There is another monument that draws attention in the square: the world clock , which, as the name suggests, tells the time in many cities around the world. The excuse of being late for an appointment by saying that you are on time in Auckland is not valid XD
More things to do in Berlin in 2-3 days
It is clear that we have left a lot unsaid, such as:
- Dance in some of the most famous clubs in Berlin , and in Europe, such as Watergate, Weekend, Farbfernseher and Ritter Butzke.
- Go shopping at Ku'damm KaDeWe , one of the largest shopping centres in Europe. And be amazed by its 7,000 m² gourmet section!
- Do you know what the symbol of Berlin is? The bear : take a photo with the colorful and cute statues of bears that you find on the street! Do you know why the bear is its symbol? We will tell you, along with a few curiosities about Berlin here 🙂
- Taking a dip in the Badeschiff , a pool that has been placed in the middle of the river… Definitely a curious experience!
- Germany is the home of beer : 131.7 litres are consumed per person every year ! You have to try it, don't you think? And it can be a good excuse to take a tour of the city, with beer as the main focus, take a look !
- Buy some bratwurst and go have a barbecue at Görlitzer Park (yes, there are barbecues available for anyone who wants one!).
- Take a bike tour and explore the city at your leisure.
- Transport yourself back to the Middle Ages as you stroll through the narrow streets of the Nikolaiviertel district.
- Make friends in the Tiergarten , Berlin's most central park.
- Visit Gendarmenmarkt square , one of the most beautiful in the city with the twin churches and the Konzerthaus.
Do you have any other tips on things to see and do in Berlin ? Before we go, we'll leave you with a complete 3-day travel itinerary for Berlin. We hope it helps. Now, all we have left to do is wish you a happy trip!
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